Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip Lawsuit

Smith & Nephew issued a recall of certain Tandem Bipolar Hips in 2016, due to a problem that could cause the components to detach after surgery. Individuals who suffered complications allegedly related to this issue may be entitled to file a Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip lawsuit to obtain compensation for any damages they incurred as a result.

Contact a Hip Replacement Attorney Today

The attorneys at Bernstein Liebhard LLP have successfully represented hundreds of people injured by defective hip replacements. Our legal team is now offering free, no-obligation case reviews to individuals who suffered implant failure or other complications that may be related to this recall. To learn more about filing a Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip lawsuit, please call (888) 994-5118.

Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip System: What’s the Problem?

The Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip System is used in hemiarthroplasty, or partial hip replacement. In August 2016, Smith & Nephew recalled certain lots of these hip implants after it was determined that some of the devices were manufactured with a retainer groove that is out-of-specification. This could result in:

Improper device assembly

A head that does not move freely due to excessive tightness

Device detachment

The Tandem Bipolar Hip System Surgical Technique instructs the surgeon to listen for an audible ‘click’ when the components are locked to confirm proper assembly. Thus, it is likely that the first two issues would be recognized in the operating room. However, device detachment would occur within the first few weeks of surgery, and could result in adverse events that require revision of the implant. Recipients of the Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip should contact their doctor if they experience:

Unexpected pain

Limited mobility

Loss of range-of-motion in relation to the implant

More than 5,800 units were distributed in 23 countries, including the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Class II status to the Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip recall.

Filing a Lawsuit Can Help

Patients who experience detachment of a Tandem Bipolar Hip may require surgery to remove and replace the components. Hip revision procedures take longer and are often riskier than initial implant surgery. Filing a Smith & Nephew Tandem Bipolar Hip lawsuit could make it possible for these patients to recover compensation for:

Medical bills

Lost wages

Pain and suffering

Disability

Emotional distress

Diminished quality of life

Other damages related to hip implant failure

If you or a loved one experienced detachment of this Smith & Nephew hip replacement, our legal team would like to hear from you. To learn more about filing a Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit, please call (888) 994-5118 for a free, no-obligation review of your case.